It had been a long day for Gus.
Well, actually, it had been a long two weeks. Shawn had dragged him into two cases, which meant he had been going into the office early and staying late to catch up on his sales ever since. But now, it was Friday night. At last he could go home, pop in a DVD, and relax. Shawn-free, work-free, hassle-free for one whole evening. Gus' only problem at this moment was what movie to rent tonight.
He pulled into the video store parking lot. There were only two other cars there.
Gus browsed the library for about half an hour, not looking for anything particular. Maybe Glory, he thought absently. He rented it about once a month, and Shawn was always telling him he should just buy it. Maybe he should just buy it…
Finally, he settled on some Will Ferrell comedy and headed to the desk. The man in line in front of him was arguing with the clerk.
"I just returned it this morning!"
"I'm sorry, sir. It's not here."
The customer slammed his fist on the desk, the veins in his neck looking like they were about to explode.
"I need it tonight!"
"Try Blockbuster. They probably have it."
Gus saw the gun just a moment before the man was pointing it at the young clerk's temple.
"You're gonna have to do better than that."
Time stopped as a chill ran through Gus' body.
Oh, God. I'm not getting home tonight.
The blood had already drained from the clerk's face.
"Wh-what do you want me to do?" He asked, spreading his arms helplessly. "It's not here."
"That's a shame," the man shrugged. Gus knew he only had a moment to act.
Without thinking, he grabbed the man's shoulder, spinning him around and reaching for the gun. He managed to get a hand on the barrel, but the man wasn't letting go that easily. With his free fist, he took a swing at Gus. Gus blocked the blow.
The gun went off.